During the late 19th century, Williamsport was the Lumber capital of the continent and attracted many wealthy families that built elaborate homes and architecture in our great city.

Victorian Christmas, sponsored and presented by Preservation Williamsport, celebrates Williamsport’s beautiful, charming architectural heritage of vintage homes, mansions, museums, churches, and other public structures.

In addition to the tour of Victorian-era architecture, this eventful weekend will also include an Artisan Market at the YWCA, the Will Huffman Toy Train Expo at Park Place, and musical entertainment at several locations.

This whole special weekend is kicked off at 6 p.m. Friday, November 17th, with the Billtown Christmas Parade and Mayor’s Tree Lighting at the Green.

The Victorian Christmas Committee’s mission remains the same as when the first event was started, “To build awareness and appreciation for the rich historical, architectural heritage of the greater Williamsport area and the importance of its preservation for future generations.”

The beautification of the historic district with the spectacular floral baskets that grace the period light posts during the summer months and lighted wreaths during the winter months are made possible by Victorian Christmas ticket sales. Lady Di’s Floral and Garden Art creates and maintains the baskets and wreaths.

Each year, Victorian Christmas has a theme, and this year’s theme is “Historical Williamsport ~ Restoration and Preservation.”

Enjoy great events on Friday night and again on Sunday afternoon when you will hear the behind-the-scenes stories from “The Restorationists,” people who are passionate about restoring, preserving, and repurposing Williamsport’s architectural significance and historic homes and buildings. This year’s educational talk will be held at the Krapf Gateway Center at Lycoming College.

Victorian Christmas features events throughout the weekend, as noted above. There will be carriage rides and photos with Father Christmas.

The Artisans Market at the YWCA Contains more than 30 carefully chosen artisans.

The YWCA is itself a work of art, with local artist Marguerite Bierman having painted the rotunda with many extraordinarily beautiful colors and gold detail. In addition, display cases from James and Caleb Meyer are present.

This event started with about eight artisans stuffed in a home or building on the tour. Then, in 2017, the committee worked with the YWCA, and Dawn Astin graciously allowed them to hold the market in the two front rooms. Since then, the event has grown to over 30 artisans and fills most of the first floor, including the hallway and gymnasium. In order to allow those taking the tour to shop, they added a second day of shopping. The Artisan Market will be taking place on November 18th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on November 19th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Will Huffman Toy Train Expo will take place on November 18th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and November 19th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at two locations, Park Place and the Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Lycoming County Historical Society.

The musical entertainment for this special weekend includes the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra’s Billtown Brass presenting a concert from 5 to 6 p.m. on November 18th at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Strolling carolers from the Williamsport Music Club will provide additional music throughout the weekend.
Saturday Tour of Homes and Churches:

– 707 West Fourth Street, The Rowley House Museum
– 601 Pine Street, The Fink House/Rosko’s Brew House
– 201 East Third Street, The Dr. Charles Cipolla House
– 860 Vallamont Drive, The Munson/Rosentinos House
– 1901 Sheridan Street, The Sortman/ Grigg’s Castle House
– 343 West Fourth Street, The Lofts on West Branch
– 200 Church Street, Woodrich Showroom
– 815 West Fourth Street, The YWCA
– 220 West Fourth Street, The Community Arts Center (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)
– 19 East Fourth Street (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), James V Brown Library
– 102 West Fourth Street (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), West Branch Bank Building/Lycoming County Visitors Center
– 858 West Fourth Street, The Thomas T. Taber Museum Lycoming County Historical Society
– 380 West Fourth Street, City Alliance Church
– 844 West Fourth Street, Trinity Episcopal Church
– 702 West Fourth Street, St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church
– 426 Mulberry Street, Christ Episcopal Church
– 91 Wildwood Boulevard Wildwood Cemetery Chapel (not on the trolley shuttle loop)

Victorian Christmas was founded by members Nan Young, Gloria Miele, Marsha Miele, and Ted Lyons Jr.

This year’s committee members are Nan Young, Jill Confair, Dawn Astin, Mary Jo Bower, Jenny Broaddus, Bethann Campbell, Doreen Decker, Susan Durrwachter, Valerie Fessler Jen Flint, Mary Calistri Geise, Mary Holstein, Valerie Lundy, Hallie Luppert, Nicki Nardi, Peachie O’Connor, Brenda Paladino, Dianne Peeling, Connie Phillips, Cindi Perry Rischar, Meg Smith, Dena Straub, Linda Sterling and Tom O’Connor as treasurer.

For more information and ticket purchases and to view a video of Victorian Christmas “Williamsport’s Holiday Tradition, visit ttps://victorianchristmaspa.com or https://facebook.com/victorianchristmaswilliamsport.